Thanks for the reminder... being on the alert for even our neighbors will be helpful.

Hey...Jerry....you hear the thunder outside?

Celeste, I love the thunder.  It was great sleeping weather last night.   We have a pretty active neighborhood watch, and it is worth its weight in gold.  Merry Christmas Celeste!   Jerry

You're exactly right.  Great advise for any location.  What we're having the most trouble with here in the Atlanta area is people stealing outside AC units for the copper tubing and wire.  Any vacant home, regardless of price-range seems to be vulnerable, and copper is bringing a good price!

Kai,

It so sad that we even have to be concerned with this.  If it ain't yours.... don't mess with it!  When we go away... not the same as a vacant house, I know.... but we have friends come over daily to keep an eye on the place.  We've even had friends stay in the house over night.

Thanks for the good post.

We just put a big toys for tots box in our office and our agents have enthusiastically supported it.   These crumbs who make life unhappy for us at this time of year are missing out on a lot.  I feel sorry for them more than us.  Merry Christmas to one and to All!   Jerry

Bill,  Your note rang a chime for me.  I Hawaii, thieves are stealing the electric wire going to the streetlights.  Life is a challenge.  Jerry

Jerry,  LOVE a good thunderstorm!  We don't get many here.... maybe I should go to Hawaii!!!!!

Martin,  I love thunder and lightning and rain!   We don't often get thunder and lightning here, but this winter we have had it a bit more often.  I guess that's why Sally commented on it in the first place.   This winter is really delightful, but then, Hawaii is after all, "paradise".   Jerry

Good advice... sellers need to make arrangements with a monitoring service or at a minimum have friends or family watch homes that are vacant... We can't be everywhere at once.

Jesse and Kathy,  I had not thought of a monitoring service.  That is great advice.   We all need to consider getting one if we are away for a period of time, especially over the Holidays.  Keep the great suggestions coming.   "Sam"  

Vacant homes all over are vulnerable. When I go on vacation I have lights on timers to make the house look lived in. Maybe a few lights on timers might help discourage would be theives, although it may not be cost effective depending on the number of vacant listings. If you consider this be sure to get timers that allow multiple times of the day to be programmed for the best effect.

Was there once for a week about 15 years ago.... and it certainly is paradise!  I can't wait to get back again!

(Thanks for your comments on my posts!)

Martin, COOL!   Here is a little reminder of Paradise.  

John,  You make some great suggestions.  I like the timers idea.  They are pretty inexpensive now, but the problem is if you don't have lamps in the unit, it can be a little challenging.   Tough to tie a timer into an overhead light.  Also, one needs to be sure that there are window coverings otherwise, the lights simply advertise the vacantness of the unit.  (Is vacantness a word?)  Jerry

One should always be vigilant not matter the time of year. I spent 18 years installing alarm systems, and some of the homes I serviced had already been broken into. If you are able you should invest in a system they do not cost as much as they used to and often you can get free installation with a monthly fee.

Rob, You are right-on!   Alarm systems are the way to go, but then there are those darned false alarms.  They ding us $100 bucks for each one of them!   It's an Owner/Landlord decision when we are sitting on a vacant unit, but it is good to discuss it with them up front.  Helps if someone enters the unit and tears things up if we as realtors have suggested installing an alarm system, even if the owner refuses.  Jerry

Sometimes it is a good idea to place the lock box out of sight so that the drive by burglars don't spot it.

Randy,  I think that is always a great idea!   The main thing this time of year though, is that one needs to stop by his listings just a little more frequently.   Hard to do at this busy time of year.   Jerry

Randy,  I think that is always a great idea!   The main thing this time of year though, is that one needs to stop by his listings just a little more frequently.   Hard to do at this busy time of year.   Jerry